Himachal Pradesh News
Punjab Slams Himachal Pradesh Entry Tax Hike: Political Storm Brews Over ₹170 Toll on Out-of-State Vehicles
A fresh political flashpoint has emerged between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh after the latter increased its entry tax on vehicles registered outside the state from ₹70 to ₹170. The move has triggered strong reactions across party lines in Punjab, with both ruling and opposition leaders calling it unfair and unconstitutional.
A fresh political flashpoint has emerged between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh after the latter increased its entry tax on vehicles registered outside the state from ₹70 to ₹170. The move has triggered strong reactions across party lines in Punjab, with both ruling and opposition leaders calling it unfair and unconstitutional.
The issue is no longer just about a toll hike — it has quickly evolved into a matter of federal rights, tourism dependency, and the daily struggles of people living in border areas.
Punjab Government to Approach Centre
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has termed the increased entry tax illegal. According to him, imposing such a tax on national highways and roads managed by the National Highways Authority of India violates constitutional provisions.
He stated that the Punjab government will formally raise the issue with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and is prepared to challenge the decision legally — even in the Supreme Court, if required.
Bains emphasized that residents of border districts, who frequently travel for work, family ties, and business, are being unfairly burdened by the revised toll.
Political Reactions Across Parties
The controversy has united political voices in Punjab.
AAP MLA from Ropar, Dinesh Chadha, criticized the Himachal government on social media. He pointed out that Himachal Pradesh’s economy significantly benefits from tourists coming from Punjab. Increasing the entry tax, he said, could hurt the very source that contributes heavily to the state’s revenue.
On the other hand, Punjab BJP Vice-President Subhash Sharma also opposed the move, calling it unconstitutional. He argued that national highways are built and maintained by the Union Government and belong to the entire nation, giving every citizen the right to free movement without additional state-imposed entry barriers.
Interestingly, the criticism is not limited to Punjab. Even leaders within Himachal Pradesh have voiced concerns. Former Himachal BJP state president and Una MLA Satpal Satti has demanded the rollback of the increased tax.
Border Areas Feel the Real Impact
For residents in border districts, this is not just a political debate — it’s a daily inconvenience. Many families have relatives, business partnerships, and work commitments on both sides of the state border. Traders and social organizations in Himachal’s border areas have extended support to Punjab groups opposing the hike and have reportedly written to the Governor seeking intervention.
Several organizations in Punjab’s Ropar district have even hinted at protests if the Himachal government does not reconsider its decision.
Bigger Questions Ahead
The entry tax hike has raised broader questions about inter-state relations, constitutional limits on taxation, and the economic balance between tourism-dependent states and neighboring regions.
With Punjab preparing to escalate the matter to the Centre and possibly the courts, the issue could soon become a significant inter-state legal and political battle.
For now, commuters and border residents await clarity — hoping for a solution that respects both constitutional principles and everyday realities.
